Don’t think there was a need for a break – RP Singh on Rohit Sharma resting for the series against SA

Former Indian fast bowler RP Singh believes there was no need for Rohit Sharma to take rest for the upcoming series against South Africa. India’s full-time captain has been rested for the series along with Virat Kohli and Jasprit Bumrah. Rohit had a poor IPL for Mumbai Indians as the franchise finished as the wooden spooners in the 15th edition of the tournament.

Rohit could only score 268 runs in 14 matches for the five-time champions at an average of 19.14 and a strike rate of 120.17. Thus, he could not lead the team from the front and MI could not come up with a collective effort.

Meanwhile, before the IPL, Rohit Sharma led in the limited-overs series against Sri Lanka and West Indies.

RP Singh said while talking to India TV, “I think he should have played the series. Taking rest or not is his personal thought. It depends on how much fatigue he is experiencing. But I don’t think there was a need for a break. He should have played. It’s a long series and, remember, he is the captain as well.”

In fact, Rohit has been inconsistent in the last few seasons of the IPL as he has even failed to cross the 400-run mark for MI in a particular season. Rohit hasn’t been at his best in the IPL and he will need to turn the tables while leading the national team.

Singh added, “In the IPL, Rohit hasn’t scored over 400 runs in the last few seasons. There are many others who have crossed the 400-run mark. His performances have been inconsistent in the tournament but he used to come up with a couple of match-winning knocks. So everyone felt the spark in his batting was there. In the shortest format, you need match-winners. Even if they fire in a couple of matches, the team will win those.”

Rohit Sharma will lead India in the one-off Test match against England, which will take place in Birmingham from July 1.

On the other hand, India will play the first T20I against South Africa at Arun Jaitley Stadium, Delhi on June 9 and KL Rahul will lead the team in the five-match T20I series.